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Croatian FA lands UEFA fine for Saint-Etienne crowd trouble

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined 100,000 euros (£77,000) by UEFA after crowd disturbances marred their second match in Euro 2016.

A series of disturbances occurred during Croatia’s 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic in the group stages in Saint-Etienne on Friday.

The HNS has also been banned from selling tickets to fans identified as hooligans for the remainder of the tournament, a sanction that is deferred under a probationary period.

The HNS was charged by tournament organisers UEFA following incidents relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks, throwing of missiles and racist behaviour.

The Group D game, during which Croatia surrendered a 2-0 lead, was halted for five minutes by English referee Mark Clattenburg when flares were thrown onto the pitch in the 86th minute. One steward appeared to be thrown from his feet when one exploded near him.

The HNS issued an apology and appealed for help from government and footballing authorities to tackle hooliganism and other crowd issues in Croatia.

Just last month Croatia were sanctioned by world governing body FIFA following discriminatory chanting during friendlies and ordered to play their next two home World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors.

Following a meeting of UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body, a statement read: “Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks, throwing of missiles and racist behaviour had been brought against the HNS, and the CEDB decided to impose the following sanctions:

“::A fine of E100,000.

“::To prohibit the HNS from selling tickets to certain fans (identified by the HNS and the Croatian authorities as hooligans) for the remainder of UEFA Euro 2016. This sanction is deferred under a probationary period until the end of the tournament.”

There have been a number of issues of crowd trouble throughout the tournament.

UEFA has also announced that charges have brought against Romania and Albania following the latter’s 1-0 victory over the former in Lyon on Sunday.

The federations of both countries will face charges over the setting off of fireworks and throwing of objects with Albania having to answer an additional charge relating to a field invasion. A date for these matters to be dealt with is yet to be determined.

Cases are also pending against Turkey, Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, while Russia have been hit with a suspended disqualification following the violence which marred their draw with England.